Journal of Human Evolution Editorial Team Resigns Due to AI and Fee Disputes with Elsevier

Introduction

The Journal of Human Evolution (JHE) recently experienced a significant upheaval with the mass resignation of its entire editorial board. Their collective departure stemmed from mounting frustrations with Elsevier, the journal's publishing company. Chief among these grievances were the elimination of critical editorial support functions, a substantial overhaul of the board's structure, and the deployment of artificial intelligence in the production process, which reportedly resulted in numerous errors. These issues, compounded by what was considered an exorbitant submission fee of $3,990, were viewed as serious threats to the journal's quality and the independence of its editorial decisions. Elsevier's response attributed the errors to a trial workflow rather than the sole use of AI, a statement met with skepticism by some in the academic community. The resignation not only highlights the growing tensions in academic publishing but is also indicative of a broader trend, being the 20th such mass resignation in recent history. This pattern raises significant questions about the future of scientific journals under commercial publication models.

Reasons for Resignation of JHE Editorial Board

The resignation of the Journal of Human Evolution (JHE) editorial board marks a significant protest within the academic publishing world. The mass walkout was primarily driven by disputes with the publisher, Elsevier, over several operational changes. Among the grievances were the removal of crucial editorial support personnel, substantial restructuring of the editorial board, and the controversial use of AI in the production process, which led to numerous errors. Additionally, the imposition of high author fees, approximately $3,990 per submission, contradicted the inclusive ethos that JHE aimed to uphold. These issues collectively undermined the journal's quality, editorial independence, and reputation for integrity, prompting the editorial board's drastic decision to resign en masse.

Elsevier, in its response to the resignation, attributed the errors to a trial workflow process and not exclusively to AI. The publisher expressed gratitude towards the outgoing editors for their contributions and assured the academic community of their commitment to maintaining JHE's standards through a new editorial team. However, this incident has intensified the scrutiny on Elsevier and raised questions about their motives which seem increasingly profit-driven, risking the transparency and quality expected in academic publishing.

The use of AI in the editorial process has attracted significant criticism for its lack of oversight and the potential to compromise the integrity of scientific work. Critics point to the unilateral decision to implement AI without proper consent from authors, which could alter the meaning of academic articles and necessitate additional rounds of manual proofreading. This has led to a broader conversation about the role of AI in scholarly communication and the ethical implications associated with its deployment by major publishers.

The financial implications of high author fees have also been a point of contention, with the cost of submission being prohibitively expensive for many researchers, particularly those from underfunded institutions and developing countries. This effectively narrows the diversity of voices and perspectives in the scientific dialogue, hindering collaborative efforts and stunting the growth of new knowledge due to financial barriers.

This mass resignation is not an isolated incident but a continuation of a trend, with the JHE being the twentieth scientific journal experiencing such upheaval since 2023. This trend reflects increasing dissatisfaction with the evolving business practices of large for-profit academic publishers, which are often criticized for prioritizing profits over academic integrity.

Public reaction to the mass resignation has been overwhelmingly supportive of the editorial board's stance. Social media platforms have seen widespread backing, with hashtags like #JHEresignations trending, highlighting public disdain for Elsevier's policies. The company's perceived profit-over-quality approach has sparked outrage, with many calling for greater accountability and transparency in their handling of academic manuscripts.

Looking forward, the mass resignation could have significant ramifications across the academic publishing landscape. It might push for more transparency in pricing models and possibly encourage the establishment of alternative publishing avenues, such as independent and community-run journals. Researchers and institutions may increasingly seek out or create non-profit publishing models to counteract the issues faced within traditional publishing, aiming to preserve the ethos of academic dissemination as a public good.

This incident has also brought about an intensified focus on the ethical usage of AI in academic publishing, potentially leading to new guidelines and best practices. The debacle could serve as a catalyst for change, prompting governments and academic bodies worldwide to implement regulations ensuring equitable access, transparency, and accountability in the use of AI and other emerging technologies in the publishing process.

Elsevier's Response to Resignations

Elsevier, a prominent academic publishing company, recently faced a significant backlash following the mass resignation of the editorial board of the Journal of Human Evolution (JHE). The board resigned due to a series of changes implemented by Elsevier that they deemed detrimental to the integrity and quality of the journal. Among the primary grievances were the elimination of key editorial support roles, major restructuring of the editorial board, the imposition of artificial intelligence (AI) in the production process without adequate quality control measures, and exorbitantly high author fees, which were perceived as misaligned with inclusivity goals.

In response to the resignations, Elsevier expressed gratitude to the outgoing editors for their contributions but refuted claims that AI was solely responsible for production errors, attributing them instead to a trial workflow. The publisher has committed to upholding the journal's standards of quality with a new editorial team. Despite these assurances, the incident has attracted external criticism, with many supporting the editorial board's stance and raising concerns about Elsevier's motivations, transparency, and strategic direction, particularly the perceived prioritization of profit over academic integrity.

This event forms part of a broader trend within the scientific community, marking the 20th instance of mass resignations from academic journal editorial boards since 2023. These resignations have frequently been linked to publishers' evolving business models and the perceived encroachment on editorial independence and quality. With Elsevier at the center of this controversy, the incident has sparked widespread debate about the implications of AI in academic publishing, the financial burdens placed on researchers, and the broader direction of commercial academic publishing practices.

Concerns Over AI Implementation in Publishing

The recent mass resignation by the editorial board of the Journal of Human Evolution (JHE) has spotlighted several critical issues in the academic publishing world, particularly around the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI). Notably, the board raised alarms about Elsevier's abrupt integration of AI into its production processes, which they argue has introduced errors into published articles and undermined the journal's quality and integrity.

One of the core concerns is the unilateral decision to implement AI without consulting authors or editorial staff, leading to significant errors that required additional manual corrections. Such actions not only compromise the trust between authors, editors, and publishers but also highlight the broader tension between adopting new technologies and maintaining rigorous academic standards.

Elsevier's high author fees have further fueled discontent. With a hefty cost of $3,990 per submission, the fees are seen as prohibitive, especially for researchers from underfunded institutions and developing regions, thereby counteracting efforts to make science more inclusive and accessible. These economic demands have drawn criticism not just from the editors but from the wider academic community, which increasingly views such fees as a barrier to equitable knowledge dissemination.

The resignations at JHE are emblematic of a larger shift in the academic publishing landscape. This incident marks the 20th mass resignation from a scientific journal since early 2023, underscoring a growing dissatisfaction among scholars with their publishers. These waves of resignations are often rooted in disagreements over transparency, editorial independence, and the role of AI in shaping the future of scholarly communication.

Amidst this turmoil, there is a call for greater transparency regarding AI's role in editorial workflows. Critics argue that while AI has the potential to streamline processes, its implementation must be transparent, ethical, and include input from the scholarly communities it impacts.

Elsevier, while acknowledging the editors’ departure, has attempted to frame the issues as part of a trial workflow rather than systemic problems inherent to AI. However, such assurances have done little to quell the discontent among academics, who demand both accountability and a commitment to ethical publishing practices.

Impact of High Author Fees on Inclusivity

The impact of high author fees on the inclusivity of scientific publishing is significant and wide-reaching. Fees like those imposed by Elsevier, which amount to $3,990 per submission, create substantial barriers for researchers, particularly from developing countries and underfunded institutions. Such high costs can restrict access to academic publishing, limiting the diversity of perspectives in scientific discourse and hampering global collaboration. This financial burden often discourages capable researchers from contributing their work, leading to a homogenization of scientific literature that favors those from wealthier institutions who can afford these fees.

Moreover, the implementation of prohibitively high author fees by major publishers like Elsevier is increasingly seen as a prioritization of profit margins over academic inclusivity and integrity. By placing financial constraints on the publication process, these journals risk alienating a vast pool of diverse voices and minds, crucial for the advancement of global scientific inquiry. This practice not only undermines the principle of equal opportunity in research dissemination but also reinforces existing disparities within the academic community.

The situation at the Journal of Human Evolution is a pertinent example of this issue, sparking widespread backlash and calling into question the ethics of current publishing practices. The collective resignation of the editorial board highlights a critical intersection of economic interests and academic values, emphasizing the need for more equitable publishing models. As the scientific community continues to grapple with these challenges, there is a growing call for reform towards more open, accessible, and inclusive systems of publication that do not compromise on quality while ensuring broader participation from underrepresented regions and groups.

Comparative Analysis with Other Publishers' AI Policies

In recent months, the academic publishing world has witnessed notable shifts as various publishers implement or refine their AI policies. A comparative analysis reveals diverse approaches reflecting each publisher's priorities and ethical considerations.

Elsevier's use of AI has been controversial, with the Journal of Human Evolution's editorial board resigning en masse due to what they perceived as a unilateral and problematic implementation of AI systems in the publishing process. This move led to significant errors in publications and highlighted issues of transparency and editorial independence. Elsevier attributed some errors to a new workflow trial, sparking debates about the role and transparency of AI in editorial practices.

Contrast this with Nature Portfolio Journals, which have taken a proactive stance by implementing AI detection tools to ensure the integrity of scientific papers, addressing growing concerns about AI-generated content. This measure can be seen as a safeguard against potential misuse of AI in research, demonstrating a commitment to upholding academic standards and integrity.

Meanwhile, Springer Nature has explicitly banned tools like ChatGPT from being credited as authors in research papers, reflecting concerns about accountability and the need for human oversight in scientific authorship. This policy underscores the importance of human-authored content in preserving the reliability and credibility of scholarly publications.

PLOS Journals have taken a different approach by mandating clear disclosure from authors regarding their use of AI during manuscript preparation. This policy aims to maintain transparency and authorial authenticity, promoting trust between authors, readers, and the publisher. Such a requirement can potentially foster a more accurate understanding of AI's role in academic work.

Wiley's introduction of AI-assisted editing tools further illustrates how publishers are exploring AI as a means to elevate manuscript quality. However, it also raises questions about the division of labor between humans and AI in scientific editing, and how this balance impacts the integrity of published works.

arXiv, a major repository for scientific research, has similarly announced steps to incorporate AI content detection tools. This move indicates a broader industry trend towards monitoring AI-generated content to preserve the integrity and authenticity of scientific communication.

These varying responses showcase a broad spectrum of how different publishers are navigating the complex ethical landscape posed by AI. While some publishers are integrating AI strategically to enhance their processes, others are more cautious, taking steps to regulate and communicate the extent of AI involvement in scholarly publishing. This divergence underscores a pivotal moment in academic publishing, as stakeholders grapple with the benefits and challenges presented by artificial intelligence.

Trends in Mass Resignations from Scientific Journals

The recent mass resignation from the Journal of Human Evolution (JHE) editorial board has spotlighted a growing trend of discontent within scientific journals, particularly concerning the business practices of major publishers like Elsevier. This particular incident serves as a part of a larger wave, marking the 20th such resignation over recent years, as numerous editorial teams express frustration over issues ranging from high publication fees to the controversial integration of artificial intelligence in editorial processes.

Critics from various corners of the scientific community have lauded the editorial board's decision, framing it as a necessary stance against what they view as unethical and profit-driven approaches that prioritize publisher benefits, often at the expense of quality and inclusivity in scientific discourse. In defense, Elsevier has insisted that the recent issues, including formatting glitches attributed to AI, were anomalies resulting from a trial workflow rather than systemic problems.

The financial aspect remains a core grievance, with Elsevier's $3,990 author fees being highlighted as prohibitively high and discouraging contributions from underfunded institutions and researchers, particularly those from developing countries. Experts argue that such pricing models undermine the diversity of scholarly dialogue and hinder global collaborative efforts in the scientific realm.

Moreover, the unilateral implementation of AI by publishers without proper disclosure or consent has raised deep ethical concerns, with experts like Dr. John Hawks signaling a breach in scientific ethics and transparency. The potential for AI to introduce errors or alter meaning without human oversight exacerbates these concerns, compelling editors and researchers to question the integrity of published content.

Public reactions, largely critical of Elsevier, have underscored a demand for accountability and transparency in how AI is deployed in academic publishing. Social media platforms have seen robust support for the resigned editors, with users widely condemning perceived corporate greed over the preservation of editorial independence and scientific accuracy. Looking ahead, the continued trend in editorial resignations may prompt significant changes in the landscape of scientific publishing. There is a growing call for the establishment of independent, non-profit journals that emphasize open-access models free from the high-cost barriers imposed by traditional publishers. Such models are expected to foster greater inclusivity and equitable dissemination of scientific knowledge across different regions and economic backgrounds.

Public Reactions to JHE Editorial Board's Resignation

The resignation of the entire editorial board of the Journal of Human Evolution (JHE) has stirred significant public discourse. This large-scale resignation was driven by major disagreements with the publisher, Elsevier, primarily surrounding the unconsulted use of artificial intelligence in content production, the restructuring of the editorial board without prior consent, and the exorbitant submission fees, which many argue are antithetical to the goals of inclusivity and accessibility in academic publishing. Such moves have been perceived as undermining the quality and integrity of the journal, leading to widespread condemnation and support for the board's bold step.

Social media platforms have been abuzz with discussions about the implications of the board's mass resignation. The hashtag #JHEresignations trended as many expressed their solidarity with the editors, highlighting the issue of AI-induced errors that required extensive manual corrections by authors. The backlash against high processing fees, which reached nearly $4,000 per article, resonated particularly with researchers from underfunded regions, amplifying the call for more equitable access to academic resources.

Criticism towards Elsevier was swift and pointed. Observers rebuked the publisher for appearing to place profit motives over academic integrity, especially given the lack of transparency in AI's role in the editorial process. The initial quiet from Elsevier following the mass resignation was interpreted by many as an absence of accountability, leading to further calls for scrutiny and potential reform in publishing practices. Meanwhile, others questioned the efficacy of mass resignations as a protest tactic, sparking a broader debate about responsibility and ethics in the academic community.

Future Implications for Academic Publishing

The resignation of the Journal of Human Evolution’s editorial board shines a spotlight on the evolving landscape of academic publishing and underscores the pressing need to reassess prevailing practices. As AI becomes more integrated into the publishing process, concerns about its impact on scientific integrity and editorial independence are rife. Errors introduced through AI workflows and the lack of transparency about its usage can undermine the quality of academic outputs, ultimately affecting trust in scholarly publications.

Elsevier's response to the mass resignation—attributing formatting errors to a trial workflow—has done little to quell concerns about AI's role in publishing. The lack of disclosure about AI's involvement exacerbates fears that the technology may alter the meaning of academic articles or require extensive manual corrections, burdening authors unduly. As a result, there is growing advocacy for ethical guidelines surrounding AI use in publishing, calling for clear communication and transparency from publishers.

The economic implications of such resignations could usher in significant shifts in the academic publishing market. Elsevier's high author fees—almost $4,000 per paper—have been criticized for creating inequities, particularly affecting researchers from less-privileged backgrounds. As alternative models such as non-profit or community-led journals gain traction, they challenge the hegemony of established commercial publishers, potentially leading to more equitable cost structures and transparent practices.

Socially, the role of AI in academic publishing has sparked widespread debate, catalyzing discussions on best practices and ethical guidelines. As trust in established journals may erode, researchers and readers might increasingly turn to alternative sources for scientific discourse. This atmosphere of skepticism could drive a movement toward more transparent workflows in publishing, fostering open peer review and disclosure of AI involvement in editorial processes.

Politically, these developments could prompt heightened regulatory oversight of academic publishing, possibly leading to new policies that govern AI use in scholarly literature. Governments might consider measures to support open-access initiatives or regulate author fees to ensure fair access to knowledge. International collaborations may emerge to standardize academic publishing practices globally, addressing issues related to AI usage, fees, and editorial independence, potentially reshaping the future of how scientific information is shared worldwide.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the mass resignation of the Journal of Human Evolution (JHE) editorial board highlights more than just a conflict between the board and Elsevier. It underscores a broader movement within the academic publishing industry, driven by concerns over editorial independence, transparency in the use of AI, and equitable access to publishing resources. As scholars and the public react with criticism and calls for alternative models, the long-term outcomes remain uncertain. However, this incident has undeniably spurred a necessary discussion about the integrity and future direction of scientific publishing.

The challenges posed by AI integration in academic journals, while promising in some aspects, reveal significant shortcomings when implemented without adequate oversight and transparency. The backlash against Elsevier’s approach indicates a growing demand for ethical guidelines and practices that safeguard both the quality of scientific output and the rights of contributors. Thus, the resignation serves as a wake-up call for the publishing community to reevaluate technological reliance in editorial processes.

Moreover, the financial barriers highlighted by the JHE board members bring to light the pressing need for more inclusive and varied publishing platforms. High author fees not only limit participation but also skew the diversity and inclusivity of published research. This financial aspect may prompt both academic institutions and policymakers to explore more sustainable publishing frameworks that are accessible to all tiers of the academic community. Such changes could pave the way for a more democratized dissemination of knowledge.

The international implications of this incident are equally significant. As the academic world grapples with these issues, there is potential for new global standards to emerge, governing editorial independence and the roles of AI in publishing. These standards could strengthen international collaborations and reinforce the accountability of publishing giants. Furthermore, as researchers seek new venues for publishing, there is hope that this movement may empower smaller, non-profit journals dedicated to integrity and transparency in science.

Ultimately, the JHE resignations have catalyzed conversations that could reshape how scientific knowledge is managed and shared. Whether through policy changes, technological innovations, or cultural shifts within academia, the effects of this incident may influence future generations of scholars and researchers, fostering a publishing environment that values integrity over profit.